Elvis Presley – He did it his way.
I couldn’t let today go by without an Elvis post. It’s 30 years ago today that Priscilla found him collapsed, Lisa Marie was only 9 years old.
This is FAR from my favorite version of the song, and this was filmed just two months before he died, but there’s no denying that Elvis took ownership of this song, much like Sinatra did.
Yes, Elvis was a crooner as much as a rock ‘n roller. I think he had more women screaming and swooning than Ol’ Blue Eyes and the Beatles put together, to be honest. And why not? He was gorgeous, he was well-mannered and soft-spoken (at least in the public eye) and was a patriot.
Funny though, how people refuse to let his soul rest… claiming sightings and such over the past 30 years. They’ve slowed down now, because well, he’d be 72 today, and quite assuredly looking much different than people might be able to imagine. But I guess that’s what happens when an entertainer touches so many people with music… they just don’t want to let them go.
This crooner fan knows you’re just up there entertaining the angels, Elvis. Rock on!
9 Comments
For some reason, I just can’t imagine Frank Sanatra singing Viva Las Vegas or Hound Dog, for that matter.
Ha! No, I can’t quite imagine that myself either, Jon! That’s why Frank wasn’t a rock n’ roller at all.
Elvis actually came along after swing and crooners got pushed out by bebop for a moment. Along came Elvis and rock and roll and it was all over…
But I still like the way Frank sings “My Way” better…
Never was a big Elvis fan, but I have to admit I always loved the song ” In the Ghetto “. It’s sort of sad to see fat and dying Elvis juxtaposed with thin and handsome young Elvis. His gospel stuff was absolutely awesome. Lara if you ever get a chance check out the movie ” Bubba Ho Tep “. It is about Elvis and JFK in a nursing home fighting a mummy. Quite the entertaining horror flick.
I’ve heard of that before, but didn’t know what it was about, Iz… LOL Sounds kinda funny!
Did you hear that Lisa Marie did a “duet” with her dad of “In the Ghetto”? I’ll have to post it here someday… it’s pretty good.
Lara,
Fun fact, “It’s Now or Never’ is based on tenor pop opera song from mid century ‘O Sole Mio’.
On another note. I have a vid of me at a rehearsal from a few years back. I don’t know how you handle submissions…as well as self promotion, but I do like your site and am am professional singer…meaning I make my living (bought a house) from my career. I don’t know it that means anything…but the house is great. What you think about my singing is something else.
Sorry about not following protocol.
Sincerely,
Nathan Granner
Gorgeous! Really? No, I don’t think so. I never got the whole Elvis deal but I also never knew he covered this song. Very interesting.
Nathan – I’ll be in touch via email! Thanks for letting me know!
Jennifer – Tsk. Elvis was HOT. Personally, I think he was hotter as an actor than a performer, but nonetheless, gorgeous.
Are you kidding? not gorgeous or you don’t think so. Are you blind? Elvis was more than gorgeous…he had perfect features which is very rare on screen and off…that’s why it’s a big deal. Before I knew who Elvis Presley was…I saw a picture of him and thought “that is the most beautiful man I have ever seen.” Today, I still think the same thing.
For those who think . ELVIS isnt a legend. I have one thing to say .. HE INVENTED A NEW GENRE.. ROCK N ROLL. NOBODY IS BETTER THAN HIM I absolutley love him. He had an amazing voice, was so beautiful and such a nice person . I miss you elvis